Questions for WashU students

[KBCoch]

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I'm an applicant to WashU for fall 2003. I've been pretty psyched about the place since I interviewed (slim chance of acceptance), but I'd like to get a student's opinion about a few things.

There is this nasty rumor out there that students at WashU are abnormally competitive and more unhappy. When I interviewed at a different school, two different students mentioned how their friends at WashU were unhappy. I've heard other comments here and there along the same lines about WashU. When I was there for my interview, the students didn't strike me as abnormally unhappy, but then again I didn't get to meet a lot of them or spend much time with any one of them.

So I'm hoping to hear it straight from a student. What is the student dynamic really like? Are people overly-competitive or more stressed out? Is the place running you into the ground? Where does this rumor come from?

Much appreciated.

 

[HappySlacker]

Now, now, take it easy on us poor 2nd years. We weren't ALL that bad - my username aside. Other than the disparaging remarks about the Class of 05 😉 I have to concur with the general assessment by Smoke This. WashU is pretty low stress, and overall I've been very happy there. I don't feel that there is a competition problem. It seems a lot less competitive than my memories of undergrad (at a state school). Our class collaborates a whole lot more than we compete with one another.

Also, the administration is amazingly supportive of the students and is very flexible with individual circumstances. Case in point - I have to take a leave of absence for a year and they are being absolutely accommodating in every way I could wish. My reasons are not due to stress or illness, but the policies are the same regardless of your reason for taking a leave. They are also proactive in implementing student suggestions for improvement to the curriculum, library facilities, lounges, etc. I got the sense that the school was like this when I interviewed and it was a major reason I chose to attend here. Now I'm glad I did.

Good luck making your decision. I don't know the source of the rumor but it's been going around for years. Trust your own impressions of the place. They're probably more accurate.

 

[uofchopeful]

Off the topic of WashU, KB, I PM'd you.

 

[KBCoch]

Could anyone remind me what the testing schedule is like at WashU? I seem to remember there being a week of exams and days off to study or something like that? How often do you have exams, and is there a separate exam for each subject, or are they all melded together in some way?

I know at some schools you have one monster exam to study for about once a month. Is WashU at all similar?

Thanks, people.

 

[surge]

Bumpidy-bump 😀


Anyone?

 

[DW]

when did you washu kids get in last year? I'm in limbo since my interview and am curious as to when I might be hearing 😕

thanx